Job Description

General Description PREP Research Associate. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, and requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration. Research Title Advanced Low-Noise Frequency Synthesis and Phase Noise Metrology Project Overview The primary objective of this project is two-fold: first, to innovate low-phase and amplitude noise frequency synthesis techniques spanning from radio frequencies to the optical regime; second, to develop advanced analog and digital measurement systems for precise phase and time characterization. These capabilities are vital to the NIST mission, enabling creation of sophisticated instrumentation with lower noise floors and higher throughput for characterizing next-generation atomic clocks and ultra-low-noise oscillators. The work requires a synergistic approach bridging analog and digital domains, integrating high-performance analog front-ends with FPGA‑based digital signal processing for robust measurement architectures that outperform traditional single‑domain solutions. Key Responsibilities Design and construct low‑phase frequency synthesizers and oscillators Perform amplitude and phase noise metrology Layout and design PCBs for measurement system circuits Develop FPGA‑based measurement system firmware Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation are archived or transmitted to the larger organization Qualifications U.S. Citizen preferred Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in a STEM discipline High level skill in RF/microwave signal analysis and system design Experience in phase locked loops Proficiency in FPGA with Xilinx ZynQ Proficiency in Altium Designer Familiarity with phase noise metrology is advantageous Ability to code with, or learn to code with, MATLAB, LabView, and Python Salary Range The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education, training and other factors reasonably determined by the University. Total Rewards Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports employees' health, life, career and retirement. Equal Opportunity Employer The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff and students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved. Background Checks The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre‑employment background check including education verification. EEO is the Law Vaccine Requirements Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. All faculty, staff, and students are required to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit and all other JHU applicants should visit #J-18808-Ljbffr The American Ceramic Society

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